3 Lakers on the Chopping Block After LeBron James Extension
Los Angeles Lakers fans woke up to some much-needed news on Wednesday. NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski revealed that the Lakers re-signed LeBron James to a two-year, $104 million contract after the four-time league MVP opted out of his 2024-25 player option ahead of free agency.
Free agent LeBron James has agreed to a two-year, $104 million maximum deal to return to the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN. Deal includes player option and no trade clause. pic.twitter.com/gAEOmvfAzZ
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 3, 2024
While it's great to know that the "King" will be in a Lakers uniform next season, it isn't all sunshine and rainbows. James' new contract carrying a $52 million annual value leaves Los Angeles without much cap space to sign difference-making free agents, meaning general manager Rob Pelinka will likely have to offload current contracts if he wants to bring in some new faces.
With that in mind, here are three Lakers who find themselves on the chopping block following LeBron's extension.
1. Gabe Vincent, PG/SG
You can't discuss the Lakers' 2023-24 shortcomings without mentioning Gabe Vincent. The veteran point guard was supposed to be a big part of the team's bench after inking a three-year, $33 million contract last offseason, however, a nagging knee issue limited him to just 11 regular-season games and five postseason appearances.
Injuries aren't always a player's fault and Lakers fans would likely be willing to give Vincent another chance had he capitalized on his limited opportunities. Instead, the 28-year-old PG was often one of Los Angeles' most ineffective players.
Between his 16 regular-season and playoff appearances, Vincent averaged 2.8 points, 1.5 assists, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.7 steals while playing 17.6 minutes per night.
He was extremely ineffective with the ball in his hands as he shot 30.5% from the field and 17.1% from three-point range. That isn't exactly the type of production you want from a player, who's due to carry an $11.5 million cap hit next season.
With the Lakers' path to another all-star player being the trade market, Vincent is one of the most likely players to be dealt. Could he bounce back next season? Sure, but his latest performance might be the new norm based on how invisible he was in the first-round series against the Denver Nuggets.